Abstract
ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the potential association between core self-evaluation and the burnout syndrome among Chinese nurses, and the mediating role of coping styles in this relationship.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in Shenyang, China, from May to July, 2013. A questionnaire which consisted of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI-GS), the Core Self-Evaluation Scale (CSE), and the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (CSQ), was completed by a total of 1,559 nurses. Hierarchical linear regression analyses and the Sobel test were performed to determine the mediating role of coping styles on the relationship between CSE and burnout.ResultsNurses who had higher self-evaluation characteristics, reported less emotional exhaustion and cynicism, and higher professional efficacy. Coping style had a partial mediating effect on the relationship between CSE and the burnout syndrome among nurses.ConclusionsCore self-evaluation had effects on burnout and coping style was a mediating factor in this relationship among Chinese nurses. Therefore, the improvement of coping strategies may be helpful in the prevention of burnout among nurses, thus enhancing professional performance.
Highlights
Burnout is the result of continuous work pressures that are not effectively handled [1] and is defined by three dimensions: emotional exhaustion (EE), cynicism (CY)PLOS ONE | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0115799 December 26, 2014Core Self-Evaluation and Burnout and reduced professional efficacy (PE)
Cynicism, and professional efficacy differed across the age and work experience groups
Nurses aged 30–40 years had the highest scores in emotional exhaustion and cynicism and nurses aged over 40 years had the highest scores in professional efficacy
Summary
Burnout is the result of continuous work pressures that are not effectively handled [1] and is defined by three dimensions: emotional exhaustion (EE), cynicism (CY). Core Self-Evaluation and Burnout and reduced professional efficacy (PE). A severe nursing shortage and an increase in demanding workload in terms of physical, emotional and moral stress, combined with comparatively low wages and devaluation of the profession have caused nurses to experience burnout in China. Burnout among nurses can result in mental fatigue, anxiety, lack of motivation, and absence from work [5], which undoubtedly threatens their own health, and that of their patients. The prevention of burnout among nurses is essential for improving the quality of patient care
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